Nash inspires Suns in play-offs

Nash is the NBA's Most Valuable Player

Steve Nash scored 39 points to lead the Phoenix Suns into the third round of the NBA play-offs for the first time in 12 years.

The Suns secured a 130-126 overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas.

Nash, with 12 assists and nine rebounds, hit the game-tying three-pointer with 5.7 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

The NBA's Most Valuable Player also made another three-pointer in overtime to put Phoenix in front for good.

The Mavericks failed to sign Nash in the off-season, letting him leave for Phoenix, and also failed to stop him in the series.

Nash finished one rebound shy of his second straight triple-double.

Shawn Marion added 38 points and 16 rebounds for the Suns, who rallied from a 16-point deficit late in the third quarter.

Phoenix took the best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final series 4-2 and next face the San Antonio Spurs in the Conference final starting Sunday in Phoenix.

Amare Stoudemire had 18 points and six rebounds for the Suns, while Jim Jackson chipped in with 16 points and seven rebounds.

Quentin Richardson contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Suns, who trailed 62-53 at the half. Jason Terry led Dallas with a career playoff high 36 points while Dirk Nowitzki had 28 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, but he missed several crucial shots in the overtime period.

Josh Howard had 21 points and 14 rebounds while Jerry Stackhouse scored 19 points for the Mavs.